Early postoperative esophageal obstruction caused by enteral feeding concretions in patients who have undergone laryngectomy.

Abstract

We report two cases of tube-feeding concretions causing esophageal obstruction in patients after laryngectomy. The cause of tube-feeding concretions is unknown at this time but probably involves esophageal stasis caused by esophageal dysmotility, protein precipitation by acidic gastric contents, tube damage, and concomitant use of sucralfate and other antacids. Although this is a rare complication of nasogastric feedings, the diagnosis should be entertained in cases in which postoperative esophageal obstruction is noted in head and neck surgical patients.